Mazak VARIAXIS i-700 NEO 5X

$350,000 - $520,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Y Travel

1,100 mm (43.3 in)

Z Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Max Spindle

18,000 RPM (12,000 RPM high-torque optional)

Spindle Taper

#40 (BT40 / CAT40)

Table Size

700 x 500 mm (27.6 x 19.7 in)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i-700 NEO 5X is the full simultaneous 5-axis configuration of the VARIAXIS i-700 NEO platform — distinguishing it from indexed 3+2 variants and confirming simultaneous multi-axis contouring capability under the updated SmoothAi control system. It occupies the middle ground in Mazak's VARIAXIS i-Series, positioned between the smaller i-500 and the larger i-800T, and is one of the most widely cited 5-axis machining centers in aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing.

The defining specification on this machine is the 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Y-axis stroke — unusually long for a trunnion-style 5-axis in this table-size class. Combined with 630 mm (24.8 in) on X and 600 mm (23.6 in) on Z, the machine handles workpieces up to 850 mm (33.5 in) in diameter and 500 mm (19.7 in) tall. The extended Y-axis accommodates long aerospace brackets, large structural parts, and complex manifolds that would otherwise require a much larger machine frame.

The rotary/tilt table uses Mazak's roller gear cam drive on both A-axis (+30° to −120°) and continuous C-axis rotation. Dual-supported construction keeps the table rigid under high cutting loads at extreme tilt angles, and table load capacity reaches 600 kg (1,323 lb). This combination of rigidity, load capacity, and extended Y-axis reach is what differentiates the i-700 from most competing machines in its class.

The NEO version runs on MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC — a meaningful upgrade from the original Matrix 2 control found on pre-NEO i-700 machines. SmoothAi adds AI-based spindle vibration detection that automatically adjusts cutting conditions for better surface finish and tool life, plus enhanced thermal compensation across long production cycles. The standard 18,000 RPM spindle with 22 kW (30 hp) on a #40 taper handles mixed-material work; the optional 12,000 RPM high-torque spindle suits titanium and steel roughing. Machine weight is approximately 15,000 kg (33,069 lb). New machines price from $350,000 to $520,000. Competitors include the Makino D500, DMG Mori DMU 65 monoBLOCK, and Okuma MU-5000V.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,100 mm (43.3 in)
Z-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -120°
C Axis Range	360° continuous
Max Spindle Speed	18,000 RPM (12,000 RPM high-torque optional)
Spindle Taper	#40 (BT40 / CAT40)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Table Size	700 x 500 mm (27.6 x 19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Diameter	850 mm (33.5 in)
Max Workpiece Height	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	600 kg (1,323 lb)
Atc Tool Capacity	30 tools (40, 80, 120 optional)
Max Tool Diameter	130 mm (5.1 in)
Max Tool Length	360 mm (14.2 in)
Rapid Traverse Xy	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	56 m/min (2,205 ipm)
Machine Weight	15,000 kg (33,069 lb)
Floor Space	4,455 x 2,400 mm (175.4 x 94.5 in)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC

Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,100 mm Y-axis travel is one of the longest available on any #40-taper trunnion 5-axis machine, enabling long aerospace brackets and structural parts other machines in this class cannot reach
Roller gear cam drive on A and C axes delivers zero-backlash simultaneous 5-axis contouring accuracy without the maintenance issues associated with worm gear designs
600 kg table load capacity with dual-supported trunnion maintains rigidity during heavy simultaneous 5-axis cuts on large, heavy workpieces
SmoothAi AI-based vibration detection on the NEO version automatically adjusts cutting conditions during production, reducing tool breakage and improving surface finish on complex 5-axis surfaces
18,000 RPM standard spindle handles both high-speed aluminum finishing and general steel work; the 12K high-torque option covers titanium roughing without changing the machine
PALLETECH and two-pallet changer automation options support lights-out simultaneous 5-axis production without major cell re-engineering

Limitations

#40 taper limits maximum depth of cut and tool diameter compared to #50 taper alternatives like the Okuma MU-5000V or Makino a500Z in the same class
30-tool standard ATC is tight for complex aerospace parts requiring large tool libraries; expanding to 80 or 120 tools adds significant cost
15,000 kg machine weight requires substantial floor preparation and dedicated rigging for installation; floor rearrangement after installation is expensive
Mazak-only control ecosystem means no Heidenhain or Siemens option for shops with platform standards requiring those systems
Two-pallet changer option reduces maximum usable workpiece diameter from 850 mm to 730 mm (28.7 in), which may constrain some larger parts in production cells

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers machining large structural parts, manifolds, and complex brackets where the extended Y-axis stroke enables parts that overflow smaller 5-axis machines Medical device manufacturers producing large implant components, surgical instruments, and multi-feature precision parts requiring full simultaneous 5-axis contouring Die and mold shops machining large cavity blocks and core inserts requiring simultaneous 5-axis finishing to achieve complex surface geometries and tight blend radii Defense and energy sector shops producing high-value structural and fluid control components where done-in-one 5-axis processing eliminates refixturing errors Production cells integrating PALLETECH automation for unattended multi-part 5-axis runs on medium-to-large family-of-parts work

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the VARIAXIS i-700 and the i-700 NEO?

The i-700 NEO replaces the original Matrix 2 control with MAZATROL SmoothAi. SmoothAi adds AI-based spindle vibration detection that adjusts cutting conditions automatically during production runs, improving surface finish and tool life. The NEO also receives enhanced rotary axis cooling for better sustained thermal accuracy during long 5-axis cycles. The physical platform, axis travels, and work envelope are essentially identical. When buying used, the NEO designation indicates the newer control generation, which is a meaningful upgrade for shops running complex simultaneous 5-axis programs.

02 How does the i-700 compare to the Makino D500?

The Makino D500 uses a pallet-based horizontal 5-axis architecture versus the VARIAXIS i-700's vertical trunnion. The D500 is designed for high-volume production with superior chip evacuation and pallet automation integration. The VARIAXIS i-700 offers a longer Y-axis stroke (1,100 mm vs 650 mm on the D500) and handles larger single workpieces. The i-700 is the stronger choice for large, complex one-off or low-to-medium volume 5-axis work; the D500 excels in high-volume production environments with palletized automation.

03 Does the VARIAXIS i-700 support full simultaneous 5-axis, or just 3+2 indexing?

The VARIAXIS i-700 NEO 5X designation confirms full simultaneous 5-axis interpolation across all five axes. The machine can contour simultaneously on X, Y, Z, A, and C axes for impellers, turbine blades, complex aerospace surfaces, and compound-curved mold geometries. It also supports 3+2 indexed machining for parts that only need multi-face access rather than continuous contouring.

04 What automation options are available?

Mazak offers a two-pallet changer for basic unattended operation with off-cycle part loading. For full lights-out production, the VARIAXIS i-700 integrates with Mazak's PALLETECH flexible manufacturing system, which chains multiple machines and pallet storage for continuous multi-part machining. The 80 or 120-tool magazine option further extends unattended run time by accommodating the full tool library for complex multi-feature parts. SMOOTH Monitor provides remote machine status tracking across shifts.

05 Is the VARIAXIS i-700 suitable for titanium machining?

Yes, with the appropriate spindle option. The standard 18,000 RPM spindle handles titanium finishing well at moderate depths of cut. For aggressive roughing in titanium, the 12,000 RPM high-torque spindle option is strongly recommended — it provides more torque at the cutting speeds appropriate for titanium roughing. The #40 taper is the limiting factor for very heavy titanium roughing passes; shops regularly machining titanium with large-diameter roughing tools should evaluate #50 taper alternatives.